What is the recommended treatment for poisons that enter through the eye?

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Flushing with clean water is the recommended treatment for poisons that enter through the eye. The primary objective in such cases is to dilute and remove the harmful substance from the ocular surface as quickly as possible. Clean water is typically the safest and most effective method to achieve this, as it helps to flush out the irritant, minimizing tissue damage and preventing further absorption of the toxin.

Using clean water is especially important because it is readily available, gentle on the eye, and effective in providing immediate relief. In the event of exposure to chemicals, the flushing process should be performed for a sufficient duration—usually at least 15 minutes—to ensure that the eye is thoroughly rinsed.

Other substances, such as milk or saline, may not have the same efficacy or safety profile as clean water for this purpose. While saline is sterile and can be useful in some medical situations, it is not as universally recommended as plain water for flushing eyes affected by poison. Visine, being a commercial product designed to relieve eye redness or irritation, should not be used to wash out poisons as it could potentially exacerbate the situation rather than providing effective relief.

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